Houston Rockets media day: Instant reaction, analysis

Finally, the 2024-25 season is around the corner.

Houston Rockets fans have had a void in their life. Sure, every fanbase around the league has missed their squad. Something about this Rockets season just feels monumental.

Expectations are high. At media day, the team didn't shy from those expectations.

For the Rockets, the 2024-25 season is playoffs-or-bust.

Rockets unified in postseason goals

It was hard to talk to a player or member of the organization on media day without hearing about the postseason.

"We won't specifically talk about win (totals for) this year, but the playoffs are the goal"

-Rafael Stone

"It's got to be playoffs for us...not just making it but (advancing)"

-Fred VanVleet

"The main goal is the playoffs right now, that's what the focus is"

-Jalen Green

It's nice to see the team on the same page. Skeptics will point to the nature of media day - this is a time for teams to grandstand. That's true, but there's a tangible feeling around the Rockets this year: They expect to make the playoffs next season.

They'll need growth from their young core if they're going to accomplish that goal.

Optimism surrounding Rockets' young core

Luckily, everyone seems to think the Rockets are ready to grow.

"Last year we played with older players, so we got a chance to learn"

-Alperen Sengun

Experience is undoubtedly the best teacher. That said, there's no accounting for sheer physical growth. When you're looking at a young team like this one, a summer can bring about physical development that changes a player's game.

"He looks bigger, stronger, faster, more confident, more under control"

-Fred VanVleet on Amen Thompson

The potential of a bigger, stronger, faster Amen Thompson is tantalizing. Meanwhile, there's even optimism about an incoming rookie. Reed Sheppard's teammates had glowing reviews for him ahead of his NBA debut.

"He's really smart, you don't see that coming out of college"

-Jabari Smith Jr. on Reed Sheppard

"I wasn't that good at 19"

-Fred VanVleet on Reed Sheppard

Improvement from the Rockets' young players could launch them into the postseason. Luckily, they all seem to be on the same page.

This Rockets team feels like a family

Again - it's media day. We understand. Still, there's an air of togetherness around this team.

"We can beat anybody on any given night"

- Fred VanVleet

"We know each other, we know how to talk to each other and what to expect from each other"

-Jabari Smith Jr.

The Rockets will have the most continuity in the NBA. We'll see how far that carries them in 2024-25.

On media day, we're finding plenty of reasons for optimism.